I'm in a similar situation. We left an abusive relationship two years ago; my daugther and I. She's three and just started preschool...which has helped tremendously! She's very active and demands alot of attention. School helps with that so when we get home we both can spend nice quiet quality time together. My parents moved in with us so now I support my daughter and 3/4 of my parent's life. They try not to interfer with my raising my daughter but do step in when I need the help. But I'm definitely a single parent making all the decisions and playing all the roles.

Thanks. I guess I've figured out my own question from that hug I gave you. haha.

My childrens' father just dropped them like a bad habit. He lived 2 towns away, worked in the town we lived but didn't show and didn't call. He popped in every 6-9 months for a little bit...just enough to make my kids go through him disappearing all over again...and it's been about 8 months since he's seen or spoken to the kids at all (on his own accord).

We moved to Maine from NH a couple months ago, b/c I needed help w/ my kids. My son has a few psychiatric issues that are very hard to handle. But I did inform their father in 3 different ways, where we were and how to contact us...still nothing.

So there's my story...in a nutshell.